Dental Hygiene Program Overview

The accredited dental hygiene program has been expanded and new students will receive a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Allied Health with an emphasis in Dental Hygiene. Once prerequisites are met, students start the program in spring quarter and take classes in sequence.

After 95 credits, students will receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS–T) Degree in Allied Health and can then continue for the BAS degree. Students will earn a total of 195 credits during the full–time program, which includes working in the school's dental clinic.

Dental hygienists are an integral part of the dental team in providing patient care. They perform a variety of tasks including cleaning teeth, taking x–rays, administering local anesthetics, placing and contouring dental fillings and educating patients about oral hygiene. Note: The educational environment contains multiple latex products and exposure to potential blood borne pathogens. Current infection control standards are taught in the program.

The Dental Hygiene track is approved by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Upon graduation, students will qualify to take all national and regional examinations required to be licensed as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) in Washington State. Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board and all Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) components and apply for a license as a registered dental hygienist.

BAS degree in Allied Health—Dental Hygiene—195 credits

Students begin the Dental Hygiene program in spring quarter only; prerequisites can be taken any quarter.

Students are accepted into the Dental Hygiene program after successful completion of prerequisites with a 2.5 minimum GPA, completion of a program application and a student successful selection/interview process.

The Dental Hygiene program might be a good fit if you enjoy science and working with your hands, are comfortable interacting closely with people and possess keen attention to detail.

Areas of study include organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology and fundamentals of dental hygiene.

Graduates generally work in dental offices in private practice or in public settings such as public health clinics, universities, schools, nursing homes and oral research facilities.

Career Opportunities

In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, administrators, and in business. Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of healthcare settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, and nursing homes, or in a corporate environment. In addition to the clinical role, dental hygienists may also work in an administrative capacity in any of the above locations.

Dental Hygiene Information Sessions

An information session is held each quarter at the Seattle Central College Dental Hygiene Clinic located at 2120 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144. Contact the Dental Hygiene office at 206.934.4186.2017 Application Procedure

Dental Hygiene Clinic is located at SVI:

Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)

Career Pathway For Dental Assistants Certificate, 15 Credits: Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Western Regional Examining Restorative Board (WREB) and the Washington State Restorative Exam (WARE). Contact the Dental Hygiene Office at 206.934.3186 to learn more.